Anacortes Midwifery Care

05/26/2026

We’re so ready!

05/25/2026

05/09/2026

Thanks doulas! And thank you to Schaffner Pharmacies & Compounding / Apothecary Coffee for carrying oral vitamin K1.

US doctors are sounding the alarm that an increasing number are declining vit K at birth.

As doulas, we don't give medical advice, we share evidence-based info.

Vitamin K shot has been recommended since 1961 in the US. Vit K impacts the body's ability to properly clot and prevent bleeding.

Why? Vit K is a fat soluble vitamin humans do not produce and don't store well. Older infants can maintain vit k through diet.

Newborns have low levels as it doesn't transfer well from the pregnant person to the baby.

Human milk doesn't have high levels of Vit K.

Most infants' blood will clot even with naturally low levels, but some babies will not. We aren't sure which until bleeding occurs.

Why is vit k given to babies? In the 1930s, a Dutch scientist discovered vit k deficiency caused Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN), now named Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) as it can occur after the newborn period.

Since 1961, we have over 60 years of data showing the vit k shot reduces the risk of VKDB. There is also data showing oral vit K reduces the risk, however, it has not shown to be as effective as the shot.

What is the risk of VKDB? The overall risk is low. However, once it occurs it can be life altering and even fatal. Classic VKDB is more common but often less severe. Late VKDB can be severe.

Among infants who do not receive the vit k shot: Risk of classic VKDB (first week of life), depending on the source is 0.25% to 1.5% of newborns (250 to 1,500 out of 100,000) or 0 to 0.44% (0 to 440 out of 100,000)

For late VKDB, no vit k: 4.4 to 7.2 infants out of 100,000 will develop late VKDB

One dose oral vit k at birth: 2.6 infants out of 100,000 will develop late VKDB

Oral vit k at least 3 doses in infancy: 0 to 0.9 infants out of 100,000 will develop late VKDB

Vit K at birth, anywhere from 0 to 0.4 infants per 100,000 get late VKDB. The shot doesn’t prevent every case of late VKDB, but most countries report incidence rates of 0 or close to 0.

So, should your baby get vit k?

Research shows it reduces the risk of VKDB.

Parents should look at the evidence, chat with providers, and make informed decisions for their child.

05/05/2026

04/29/2026

There is. There is another birth center with this model and it is unique! Anacortes Birth Center is now open. Miranda and Kelly are so excited to offer this option to our clients!

04/24/2026

04/02/2026

Updated lactation resources:

https://skagitlactationcoalition.com/localresources/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQ7QYBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeQ69nUNr0n7Bq9_MiKWrHhEEyzN7UDuE968CiQPXqscYPLovcVQsLoDNlDUI_aem__Yw_i9ordjIao4-lJVnvRQ

We offer warm, one-on-one lactation guidance to help you feed your little one with love and confidence. Our experts are like friendly guides on your feeding journey, making it smooth and joyful for you and your baby!

03/18/2026

For all of our military families

03/13/2026

Feeling this deeply this morning…

01/10/2026

Skagit Valley Hospital is an official Milk Drop location in partnership with Northwest Mothers Milk Bank. Milk Drops are convenient locations throughout the Pacific Northwest where approved donors can drop off their breast milk donations. Learn more here: https://loom.ly/2CWU3xI.

01/07/2026

"The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) plays a key role in developing guidelines for cervical cancer screening, including the use of HPV testing. ASCCP's guidelines recommend primary HPV testing every 5 years for women aged 25-65, or co-testing (HPV and Pap test) every 5 years, or Pap test alone every 3 years. For women aged 21-29, cytology (Pap test) alone every 3 years is recommended, though primary HPV testing can be considered."

That every 5 year testing is a swab you can do yourself, in many cases!

If you're interested in finding out more, you can self-schedule an annual exam online: https://www.anacortesmidwiferycare.com/appointments